Message Boards

Okay, anyone who isn't sure who Haystack is? Check out my thread "Never thought I'd see this day..." She's a kitten we found orphaned @ 2 weeks old - her story is there and here is the up-date!

Well, I would like to tell everyone Haystack has become a model kitten - NOT - and that she behaves like a "purr-fect" kitten - NOT!

Truth is she is using her litter box, eating canned kitten food BUT does not like drinking her water - much prefers the KMR - have to work on that a bit.

But she is doing well - making "friends" - has began following the 10 year old spayed female around the house - very annoying but it is paying off as the MC eventually falls asleep only to find "that thing" laying next to her! How embarrassing!

At which point Haystack jumps up and runs for the downstairs - she has an incredible sense of humor! She is also working on making "friends" with the male Maine Coon - he has a tail that is about 3" inches wide - grows to 6" when irritated! - she has taught him to "chase the tail (his)" - she tackles and runs when she gets his attention. Don't think she really makes him mad because he comes back over and lays on his back to encourage her to play again...

BUT she is simply a case to deal with... had to go to town today - an hour at best - she PROMISED that she would be good so I left her out (as opposed to putting her up in her room) with the understanding that Bubba would supervise, big mistake! Came home and I could tell by the look on Bubba's face that Haystack had got away and done something she "wasn't supposed to do" - he just gave that one-pawed sign that said "I think she needs re-hab!"

Well, Haystack came over to me, curled up in my hands (takes two of them now) and said "don't listen to them!" An hour later I went into the downstairs guest bathroom to find it re-decorated - with rolls and rolls of TP - yes, Haystack strikes again!

Took her into the bathroom - showed her the TP - and she immediately rolled in it/wrapped herself in it and raced around the house (while we are trying to catch her) - laughing hysterically - she knows when she has been bad - and, YES, we put a stop to it as soon as she does it, but, gosh, have to say it is funny! But, no, discipline is coming - as soon as I stop laughing!

Thanks for the update! She sounds like a lot of fun.

nothing like a kitten to add a lot of humor to your life!

Your post made me smile, so glad that Haystack gives you so much pleasure...

Oh my, I love your Haystack stories! Yes, I guess she left you with a mess to clean up but she also made me laugh out loud. What an adorable kitten!

IR, what a great visual you gave us. I could just picture Haystack and her antics. Like I said before, her story would make a great child's book.
Thanks.

And I must add, you have a way with words. You should write it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: propertylady57,

Okay, back with an up-date. Haystack is eating dry food - discovered it all on her own - "poaching" the grown-ups' food! So bought some Kitten Chow - a little softer with more nutrients geared to her age/size of teeth and mouth - and she is chowing down on it!

Good thing because she is needing all the food she can get to keep up with what she has been doing lately! I'm sure you all know Haystack has literally several dozen toys AND that the "more mature" 10 year spayed Maine Coon wants NOTHING to do with "THAT THING" and spends her leisure time in her bedroom "aka the guest bedroom on the second floor" having come to the conclusion THAT THING is here to stay...

Well, over the last few days, I have noticed that Haystack was dragging/packing her toys, one by one, up the stairs to the MC's bedroom - no easy feat considering three landings and lots of steps - and taking them into the MC's room and leaving them there! Haystack seemed to be quite proud of her accomplishments so I have just been leaving them wherever she has taken them until tonight!

Dh and I heard a loud noise from the stairway - then a thump! Looked around just in time to see the female MC dropping one of Haystack's toys in the foyer (bottom of the stairs) with disgust, then heading back upstairs for another one - repeated it over and over again - apparently to clear "her" room from any of THAT THING'S toys while THAT THING was busy picking up toys as fast as she could and hauling them back upstairs as fast as her little feet could go!

Will let you know who wins the battle as soon as I find out myself ...

IR, it just keeps getting better and better. I tell you what, if you don't write this book I will write it for you. Hilarious.

Oh my, don't know exactly how to tell all of you - I swear, Haystack has been raised in a law-abiding home - BUT just discovered that:

Haystack is a kleptomaniac!

I know, didn't want to believe it myself but the proof is in the pudding or, rather, the evidence I found in "her" room tonight!

For the last several days, dh and I kept losing things - nothing major - just little things BUT when dh's watch disappeared tonight, he got a little upset and demanded that SOMEONE either knew something about it or knew where it was!

I said that I hadn't seen it - Haystack was busy playing, the other cats were busy concentrating on grooming - legs, face or the other - all protesting their innocence and being indignent at being accused except for Haystack who continued to play on...

Okay, sad, sad truth... went up to Haystack's bedroom and found her cache - dh's watch, a number of pens and lighters, more small items than I can itemize here - Haystack has a virtual warehouse of purloined goods!

And is she repenting? Not at all, it took everything I could do to retrieve the items without suffering major damage - and, on top of all that, she is threatening to call the police on me saying that, since I stole from her stack of stolen goods, I will be the one going away for a long, long time OR at least until it is time for her next meal...

Now, I ask you ... is this fair?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

You have no idea how good it is to read that someone else has a kitten who "steals". Charlie will be two in September and when I first rescued him, he was so tiny and you'd never think in a million years that he could do something so awful.
Like you, it was small, insignificant things at first...a pencil, pen, lighter...then my favorite earrings went missing. The last straw was when I was coming inside from checking eggs and I found a razor blade[the kind that fits on a lady shick]. Then I found my shaver, in the dinning room. How did it get there? I confronted my dh and he just looked at me like I had two heads. Then I saw Charlie, caring my watch. Dh was smart enough to put his where nobody could get it. I had put mine on the bathroom counter.
To this day Charlie maintains his innocence!

IR...I agree with PL57...you should write Haystacks stories into a book. And keep them coming here...I get a great chuckle every time I read a new post! And get the enjoyment of having a kitten without actually having one.

I am glad you are all enjoying reading the stories about Haystack's antics! But as far as a book? Well, we'll see...

Had a serious sit-down talk with Haystack today about her condition - that of klemptomania - to try to resolve the matter intelligently and logically. Showed her all of her ill-gotten goods one by one and asked her why she wanted them.

First, the pens. I told her she couldn't write so why did she feel the NEED to steal them? Her answer? "THAT'S MINE!"

Next, dh's watch. I told her she couldn't tell time so why did she feel the NEED to steal a watch? Her answer? "THAT'S MINE!"

The toothbrushes, swizzle sticks, lighters and popsicle sticks were produced with the same response - "THAT'S MINE!"

Since it was obvious that we weren't getting anywhere with the "new approach to raising a young one," I told her we would talk about this later when she was calmer - isn't that what all the books say to do now? (Sure wasn't that way when I was being raised but you know, have to go with progress....)

So I put her down and gave her some toys - not that she doesn't already have dozens of them - and heard her tell Uncle Bubba as she danced off - "well, I think that went well!"

Frustrated, I controlled myself, knowing how important it is to be calm and reasonable when dealing with the younger generation and not wanting to injure her self-esteem, I bit my lip and went to put my hair back in a scrunchy to do some work.

Where IS my scrunchy - it was here just a minute ago! It couldn't have gone far, could it? Just saw Haystack running up the stairs as fast as she could go...

I just love your tales of your little (klepto) Haystack!

Loving your stories

Love those Haystack stories. Keep them coming. Where did you get her name? Please give us a picture of her, and MC. They sound so cute and cuddly, and loveable.

Ha ha haaah...this is so funny! I think because you gave such good care to her as a very young one, she has developed an intrepid spirit...even though she's technically a criminal..but not unless you lay charges (which I'm sure master or mistress Maine Coon would be happy to do on your behalf...extra fines for injured dignity..)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ellemint,

Glad everyone is enjoying the stories so far but Haystack took it a little too far today...

You all know that I am a firm believer in 100% consistency - doesn't always work but it does work most of the time - except today! What happened?

Well, Haystack came flying upstairs this afternoon... all I could understand was something about the "sky is falling, the sky is falling and you were right!"

(Backing up a bit, I have been telling Haystack, over and over NOT to climb the floor length blinds and dutifully have gotten up every 30 seconds or so to remind her. After about the 10,000th reminder, I thought that she had finally got the idea that THOSE BLINDS were off limits. Or so I thought since I knew one set wasn't properly installed and about to come down...)

I heard a pretty definate "thump" while I was cleaning upstairs but wasn't really concerned until Haystack came tearing around the corner at the top of the third landing, shaking and shivering and talking about the sky falling.

Made sure she was okay then went downstairs. Yes, the sky had "fallened." Shades of Chicken Little! We are talking BIG window blinds here - 10' feet by 5' - have no idea why but it definately crashed - just glad no one got smashed!

Can't totally blame Haystack as we knew the studs for the blinds were coming loose - but had to laugh at the other cat's responses! In unison, they all pointed their paws at - who else? - Haystack!

Very funny stories--adopted a kitten years ago that followed a large, old German Shepherd Dog around constantly. The kitten was so small that she could hide behind a broom and watch the dog, who really didn't like the kitten. The kitten loved the dog's big tail and walked behind her patting the dog's tail! They became fast friends and they slept together. The cat is now 11 and never learned how to make friends with other cats. Your Haystack is a real character--your very entertaining stories keep me laughing. Keep on posting about Haystack.

OKay, I have been posting about Haystack, myself and the other cats as if no one else lives here - but someone else does - dh!

So, had to go to town today and knew dh would get home first - just reminded him to keep an eye out for Haystack (he loves her as much as I do BUT doesn't really realize all that she gets herself into)... anyway:

Got home - dh was upset - said Haystack was there and then she wasn't? Said he had been looking for her for the last 20 minutes and just couldn't find her?!

Asked him where he had last seen her - kitchen - asked if he had opened the refrigerator door. Answer by dh - yes. So I said, it's obvious... go check there! Sure enough, Haystack has graduated from clinging to the door shelves to climbing the shelves themselves!

DH was a bit shaken - asked HOW in the world she could have gotten to the next to the top shelf? I told him to ask Haystack! Welcome to her world where the possibilities are endless (and I always come to rescue her at the last minute!)

PS. Haystack wants me to post, in full disclosure, that THAT was her plan all along!

OTFLMAO!!!!

Haystack sounds like such an adorable handful IR. I'm glad to hear that she is so healthy and happy and into everything....100% kitten (and darede*vil), no doubt! Fun stories that make me smile instantly! Take care-

Today marks 8 weeks since we found Haystack - a tiny 2 week old kitten - shivering, shaking and starving - where else but at the haystack!

Been quite a road for her as well as ourselves (and the other cats) but we have been letting her go free to explore wherever she wants to explore the last few weeks...

Thought she had gotten into everything a kitten could get into until today - the master bedroom shower! Yes, she discovered it before - been in and out and then gone... but today was different!

Early morning, let her out to run free in the house (all of our cats are indoor-only since we have learned our lesson the other way the hard way) but then couldn't find her? No problem, turned on the shower and went to get some clean towels when I heard the most awful noise!

Ran back to the master bathroom (where the sound was coming from) - a terrible screeching - the "I am so MAD sound" - opened the shower door and out shot one very mad, wet Haystack!

I couldn't help laughing - I had told her and told her that THAT area was a No-No area but, of course, she didn't believe me - just had to learn it in her own time and way.

Well, this way wasn't very happy - - she looked a drowned rat and was spitting mad - took her all afternoon to get herself cleaned up (yes, she is doing her own grooming now although Uncle Bubba still helps out). Now that she is dry once again, fluffed up and pretty, she has put me on notice that "pay-back" won't be so pretty.

She pays no attention whatsoever that I DID tell her NOT to go in there. I'm a little concerned about what she has planned...

IR, is your camera a digital camera?

Yes, PL, it's a digital camera - 2007 Sony to be exact that uses a Duo Processing Stick which has, apparently, become out-dated (no longer made) according to Best Buy where I bought it!

My Canon 35mm, bought some 30 years ago, still works great! Anyway, the Sony still works - just can't figure out how to upload photo's and then send them on. Have approximately 1700 photos on it - plug it in and the cp will upload number 1 thru 399... that's it!

If I tell it to continue, it just keeps re-loading #1-399 - over and over again! I give up until I can figure out more about this digital photography business!

I KNOW - I'll let Haystack at it! Wonder what would happen if I gave her free rein on the keyboard?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

Try uploading to Photobucket. Maybe that will work.

Thanks for the suggestion... will give that a try.

In the meantime, Haystack has really been a sweet little kitten - laying down to be petted and hasn't been into anything for several days - NOT!

She has spent the last few days practicing her version of Nascar up and down the stairs. For the most part, she's tight in the center and loose on the exit which results in lots of slides when her back feet slide out from underneath her but the front feet keep going into corner 4 - the foyer at the bottom of the stairs - but she is sure that, with the right crew chief and pit crew, she will catch Bubba one of these days...

As Bubba lands in the LR, stops to do a bit of grooming and tells Haystack (when she finally arrives), kid, you have a ways to go - stick with me - I'll teach you the tricks!

Been a while since I posted about Haystack - she is, after all, a "grown" kitten at this point! We discovered her at the haystack on May 3rd - about 2 weeks old - so I figured she is nearing the 12 week mark!

One interesting thing about this time? The eye color starts to become permanent. I have had cats with gold, green, blue, hazel and every shade in-between but I have never seen any cat with the eye color Haystack now has - it's a very subdued, TOPAZ, deep tan, very solid (yes, just like the stone)!

And how has she been behaving? Besides the shower incident and the repeated refrigerator trick? Well, she has just become the most mellow kitten ever - never a scheme or plan in the back of her little mind.... NOT!

The older cats have given up on trying to rein her in - she has the Maine Coons completely buffaloed (Ally lets her sleep on "their" bed with them ), Bubba says that he is just worn out trying to keep up with her - let her tear up the place and I'll help you pick up the pieces later ) and Beets says that as long as she doesn't disturb me (which she doesn't), she can stay!

So, tonight, Haystack found the pantry - AND got herself stuck in there!

Everyone was voting to leave her there but dh decided to let her out - she showed her appreciation by bringing him some of her toys (oh, yes, the battle continues on Haystack taking them upstairs to the MC's room and the MC's packing them back down!) Told you I would let you all know you wins the battle when I know BUT apparently it isn't over yet...

I think it's funny that the Maine Coons are busy trying to remove the interloper's belongings from their residence...and said interloper persists in asserting her squatter's rights. Somehow I think Haystack is gonna win.

I just got back to this thread and I'm glad I did. I love your stories about Haystack. keep them coming.

You are making me want to get another kitten!

Well, this morning Haystack discovered something new - we have an indoor swimming pool!

Just what she has always wanted as she considers herself to be an championship "swimmer" - she's not sure exactly what that is - but she is sure she is THE BEST at it, whatever it is ....

So closed eyes and jumped right in... landed on dh soaking in the tub ... no problem, used her "tiny" little claws to give herself leverage to catapult herself out of the "pool". Came running up to me saying that she couldn't understand why dh was making such a fuss - and why was the water was turning pink?

Would give you all dh's response but the mods would never allow it - so will leave it to your imagination!

haystack sounds like a laugh a minute kitten but i'd be a little worried that she might use up those "9 lives" pretty quickly! i don't want to be a downer but make sure toilet seats are always down; window blind cords are wound up & out of the way; & always check that refrig when you can't find her. i have an indoor cat that seems to be able to make herself invisible when she wants to sneak out an open door! not as worrisome as yours but i live on a busy street & always have to be careful that she doesn't get out. have you posted any pics of haystack? would love to see her!

Oh, how funny!!! And I can just see kitty doing that. Mine used to love to sit on the edge of the tub when I was soaking and play with the bubbles. Only slipped in a couple of times but, luckily, didn't latch onto me trying to get out.

Doesn't hubby just love Haystack?!?!?!?!?

Haystack really has the true spirit of an explorer---she is constantly finding new terrorities (and bodies of water) to investigate.
I've gotta admire her boldness.

Idaho, no sworn testimony is necessary -- but is she still a kleptomaniac or has she grown out of that?

Forida Farm Girl --- I love your signature line. We could all use some more dancing in the rain!

OMG, too funny!!! I bet your DH is going to be checking the bathroom very carefully for a lurking Haystack and then closing the door before having another soak!

Just can't resisting posting this one! Well, you all know we live in Idaho and summer is rodeo season - guess Haystack has been watching the news since she did something I NEVER thought she would and live to meow about!

She entered AND WON the bare-furback riding competition but has made enemies doing so! What happened? Well, you all know the household consists of Aunt Beets (paws off there), Uncle Bubba (he tries so hard to contain her) and the two Maine Coons - one of whom is male with a good 20 pounds of meat and muscle - not to mention his sister, the prima dona who wants NOTHING to do with "That Thing!"

So what happened? Think Haystack has been planning it for a while... Tango (the big male MC innocently came downstairs tonight to tell me that his sister has been ringing the Room Service buttom for the milk delivery for quite some time with no response) when he got blind-sided!

Haystack jumped on his back as he came down the stairs, wrapped her front legs around his neck and held on for dear life (kicking his sides with her back legs as he FLEW across the room trying to dislodge her) - which he did BUT it took him several seconds to do so while dh and I were rolling on the floor, laughing ...

No, she didn't make the full 8 seconds but she's been prancing around here anyway - pretty full of herself - does she not understand that the others are bigger and older than her??? Not sure what tomarrow will bring - stay tuned!

I can totally picture that ! lol

Where does she usually sleep?

Well, Haystack is now a "grown" kitten so we're re-considering her set-up but it is difficult to decide when and how to change things. I'm posting these matters for the same reason as I have all along - to help others in the same situation, so here goes:

We have a 2-story house - not feasible to expect a small kitten to remember to use a litter box UPSTAIRS during the first month or two but think (hoping) it is time. Haystack loves to help me scoop the "big cats" boxes upstairs and jump in to make her mark! So she knows where the boxes are...

So, what do you all think - time for Haystack to join the "big kids?"

And Haystack has her own room - pocket room (aka toilet) off master bedroom - where she gets her formula, kitten chow, water and bed. The other cats have their own rooms - Cat Condo (laundry room) for Beets and Bubba - guest bedroom for the MCs...

Just have to figure out the right time to TAKE AWAY the "port-a-potty" from downstairs and require more of her, ie. go upstairs when you "need to go." Think she is ready - she thinks so as well .... 3 times today she started to use the "minature box" - I saw her and asked, "Haystack, want to go upstairs?"

She raced upstairs - all on her own - jumped in the "big cat's box" and did her thing! Think we have one smart cat here - btw, Tango has been hiding from her all day! He says that HE isn't a rodeo rider-packer - finds it embarrassing that Haystack did whar she did, BUT if Haystack won, he wants his percentage!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

My son has a cat that is about a year old. He will wait for the older cat and then pounce. He hangs on with his front paws around the older cat's neck as tightly as possible. No amount of hissing or noises from the older cat stops him. It takes a minute or so for the older cat to smack him down with her paws but we do see lots of fur on the floor. I will have to see what we can do about the rodeo trick.

Idaho...well if she understands "go upstairs" that well she sounds ready to advance to solely using the big litterbox upstairs. smart kitty! You could always leave the mini-potty uncleaned for a day or two and she'd probably abandon it for the better/bigger one upstairs.

Been a few weeks and thought it was time for an update re Haystack - yes, she is still the most foolhardy/brave little kitten I have ever met and, Yes, no more downstairs minature litter box - one smart kitten here...

She wakes up early every morning and devises her plan... tackles Bubba (solid mass of 20 lbs of muscle) who has given up and just rolls over and over with her; same with Tango and Ally - the MC's! Ally tries her best to shut her out - doesn't work - Haystack goes in, jumps on the bed and says, "so what's the agenda?"

Everyone has given in - much easier to simply cuddle up with Haystack than fight - think that was Haystack's plan from the beginning.... pretty smart little kitten.. !

So, latest update, nothing important - we did away with the downstairs minature litter-box - no need now... and Haystack has made herself very important - at least in her eyes...

So all is quiet on the Western Front, the MC's are happy, the farm cats content and... WHAT ARE YOU DOING, HAYSTACK???

Sorry, have to go... Haystack is dragging the MC's bed to the foyer, Ally is growling - will post back how the ShowDown ends!

Never a DULL moment.

Idaho, what is Haystack up to?

Well, it is difficult to describe exactly what Haystack is up to nowdays but I will try...

First of all, she is extremely healthy, solid mass of muscles and thinks she runs the house but not so! When she gets too big for her britches, Uncle Bubba takes her down a peg or two - after which she jumps up and says "I could have taken you IF I wanted to!" Then runs off to make more mischief...

In other words, Haystack is being Haystack!

She has become quite the little business-cat - has a thriving newspaper route. Okay, as an indoor-only cat, her customers are limited but she has made the best of her opportunities! Sunday paper - delivered intact (you don't get the paper) - 5 cents...

Stacked (just think of all those circulars) - 10 cents! Stacked and sorted - down the hallway and stairs - a quarter! So far she has $1.75 in her bank account... and she has been lobbying to go to PetCo to spend her **$ - don't tell her but it's never going to happen! Just not willing to take the chance even at pet-friendly stores - too easy for them to get away and hurt or in trouble so Haystack is staying put - like it or not.

But she has earned some **$ and is waiting to spend them on new toys plus she is constantly looking for new opportunities to earn more - 25 cents helping un-load the dishwasher/ 50 cents for NOT helping.

Latest game? Air hockey - I was upstairs when dh opened the iced tea jug - haven't seen the lid since - been three days. She says that since it was in the house, it's hers and won't divulge it's where-abouts except for a few **$ which we refuse to pay - we do have boundaries (although it appears she crosses them daily!)

Now to be serious, Haystack doesn't know it yet but it's time - not looking forward to it but, yes, the time has come for a 100 mile round-trip to the doctor for spaying. Don't know who is dreading it more - me for the hassle of traffic or her since she has never seen anything outside this house so I guess she won't even know what's coming....

Don't say anything about it - it's going to be a surprise - and I think she hacks into my computer when we aren't watching - why not, she gets into everything else!?

So mum's the word - will let you know how it turns out!

She's about 6 months now? Never a dull moment with a kitten! Thanks for the update.

About her age? We found Haystack on May 4th - where else but at the base of our haystack - shivering and shaking with eyes open, flattened ears and wobbly gait - probably about 7-10 days old - so she is now a little over 6 months and it's time for spaying!

Although there is NO chance of her becoming pregnant, (she is, after all, a totally indoor-only cat living with two neutered males - Uncle Bubba and MC Tango plus two spayed females, Aunt Beets and MC Ally), the health advantages to spaying are convincing so off to the vet's office we will go this month!

But just had to follow up on my last post re her newly-discovered desire to play air-hockey using our Iced Tea Jug lid as the puck? She hid it; we haven't been able to find it even after searching the entire house very diligently for 5 days! We even offered a reward and told Haystack she could collect it if she would only give it up!

Still no takers until tonight! Drum roll ~ the spayed 10 year old MC female (who has had the task of clearing HER room of Haystack's "things" since Haystack learned to climb the stairs packing toys - check earlier posts), made a BIG production coming down the stairs with lots of noise while dh and I were watching the news earlier tonight.

BUMP, BUMP, ROLL and SPIT; then dropped the elusive Iced Tea Lid into the foyer ~ she wants the reward - Haystack fought hard for it - I won - and I'm sure the bandaids will help my hands heal just fine. Haystack is astounded that she was betrayed - think both the female MC and myself would be well advised to sleep with one eye open tonight...

Pay-back is coming ... we just don't know when!

IR,

I love reading your Haystack Hystericals! you truly have a gift and thanks for sharing with us.

She and your cat gang are a great bunch. Watch out for her pay-backs.

I sleep with one eye open!

No telling when or where Haystack will decide to strike back - after all, she stills loves to cuddle and purr in the early mornings hours ...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

Just a quick up-date - today I came downstairs and caught Haystack with a turkey wish-bone in her mouth (very unusual to catch her in the act at all) but, here's my question - WHERE DID SHE FIND IT?

We haven't had turkey since last Thanksgiving and won't be cooking our turkey this year until tomarrow (with all of the fixings, I might add) - so where did it come from?

I gently tried to take it away from Haystack - she stood her ground and said "want to risk breaking it?" - I backed off and she quickly took it up to where she maintains her stash - or cache - whichever you prefer...

No way was that turkey wishbone anywhere near where Haystack could reach - in fact, as far as I know we didn't have a wishbone in the house - so what's going on here?

I'm going to go have a talk with her - she said to tell all of you "Happy Thanksgiving" and buy your four-legged animals whatever they want - I told her that was inappropriate and she said - okay just buy them HALF of what they asked for...

That's Haystack being reasonable - we are all well and hope the same for all of you....